McDowell and Kaymer voted as co- winners of European Golfer of Year

For the first time ever, the European Tour has named two winners of its Golfer of the Year title.

By

Mark Garrod

PA Sport

Series:

Published: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 | 6:49 p.m.

Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer have been voted as co-winners of the 2010 European Tour Golfer of the Year award -- the first time the prize has been shared in its 26-year history.

Both players won their first major titles -- McDowell at the U.S. Open, Kaymer at the PGA Championship -- both won four times and both were members of the victorious Ryder Cup side.

The 25-year-old German took the "Race to Dubai'' money list title, but against that McDowell was, of course, the match-winning hero against the Americans at Celtic Manor in October.

A judging panel of writers and commentators debated the many merits of the pair, but when it came to the vote the result was split right down the middle.

There has never been a season quite like it for the European Tour, with South African Louis Oosthuizen becoming British Open champion at St. Andrews, Lee Westwood taking over from Tiger Woods as world No. 1 and Ian Poulter, Ernie Els and Francesco Molinari all winning World Golf Championship events.

"I am truly humbled to accept this coveted award,” said McDowell, who on Sunday beat Tiger Woods in a playoff at the Chevron World Challenge. "It is the icing on the cake on what has been a very special year for myself, Martin and everyone involved in European golf. It is an honor to share this award with a player of Martin's caliber. He is one of the best players of our generation and I am sure will enjoy many more successes in the years to come.

"I achieved many of my dreams this season and feel fortunate to have enjoyed some very special moments. However, the highlight of the year for me was being a part of the winning European Ryder Cup team,” he added. "There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of the Ryder Cup and the experience of playing for both your team-mates and the European fans under the most extreme pressure. I hope that I am lucky enough to play in many more successful teams in the future.''

Kaymer said: "This has been a truly great year for me and winning this award is the perfect ending. It is recognition for my performances in 2010 and to be voted for by the golfing media, the people who watch and report on our sport throughout the year, makes me feel very proud.

"I am always trying to follow in Bernhard Langer's footsteps and to see that I have now won an award that he was the first to win back in 1985 is very satisfying indeed,” he explained. "But he is still many steps ahead of me!

"Graeme deserves this recognition as much as I do. His winning match in the Ryder Cup was huge for all of Europe and for both of us to now make history in terms of sharing this award for the first time represents a very proud moment for both our families and also shows how strong European golf is right now."

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